Vehicle Position Measurement Using Nearby Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation road charging systems, the harsh vehicle environment and increased complexity of on-board units lead to a higher risk of device failure, particularly with GNSS receivers, which can result in inaccurate position information and failed charging processes.

Innovation Solution

A position measurement method that determines the quality of acquired position information, acquires and weighs position data from nearby vehicles when the primary vehicle's data is unreliable, and uses this information to estimate the vehicle's position, ensuring continuous charging functionality even if the on-board unit components fail.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GNSS receiver is used for position measurement, then position information can be acquired, but device complexity increases and failure risk increases in harsh vehicle environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoiddevice failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces nearby vehicles as intermediary carriers of position information. When the own vehicle's GNSS receiver fails or provides inaccurate data, the system uses communication to acquire position information from nearby vehicles that are successfully receiving GNSS signals, thereby maintaining positioning functionality without requiring the own vehicle to have a fully functional GNSS receiver at all times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a backup positioning mechanism by copying position information from nearby vehicles. Instead of relying solely on the own vehicle's GNSS receiver, the system acquires and utilizes position data from other vehicles in the vicinity, effectively creating a redundant copy of the positioning function that can activate when the primary source fails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If multiple components are added to on-board unit for accurate position information, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device in the own vehicle serves multiple functions: it is used for both normal charging communication and as a positioning backup mechanism to acquire position information from nearby vehicles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated backup positioning hardware, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables vehicles to assist each other in maintaining positioning functionality. When the own vehicle's positioning system deteriorates, nearby vehicles with functional GNSS receivers automatically provide position information through communication, creating a self-service positioning network that reduces the need for complex redundant components in each vehicle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If GNSS receiver is mounted on on-board unit, then position information can be obtained, but the harsh vehicle environment causes higher failure rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information accuracyVSAvoidtemperature and vibration impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses nearby vehicles as intermediary carriers of position information. When the own vehicle's GNSS receiver fails due to harsh environment (temperature, vibration), the system switches to acquiring position information from nearby vehicles that are successfully receiving GNSS signals, thereby maintaining positioning functionality without requiring the own vehicle's GNSS receiver to operate reliably in all environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for environmental failures by having communication capability to acquire position information from nearby vehicles ready in advance. This cushioning mechanism ensures that when GNSS receiver fails due to temperature or vibration, position information can be immediately obtained from alternative sources without service interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10094671B2Position measurement method, own position measurement device, and on-board unit

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND MACHINERY SYST LTD

AI summary

A vehicle position measurement method includes a process of determining whether or not position information of an own vehicle is able to be acquired with predetermined quality from the outside, a process of acquiring position information of a nearby vehicle present in an area in which the own vehicle is capable of acquiring information when the position information is determined not to be able to be acquired with the predetermined quality, and a process of replacing the position information of the own vehicle with the acquired position information of the nearby vehicle.